Women make up about half of the labour force, yet in the automotive industry, they hold only a quarter of the jobs in manufacturing. A study by Deloitte and Automotive News on diversity, equity, and inclusion shows that the industry still underutilises women. Society’s patronising attitude often undervalues women’s abilities, particularly in male-dominated fields like designing and manufacturing vehicles. However, this attitude misses an important point. Both men and women can be equally passionate about and skilled in automobiles. Toyota Kirloskar Motor understands the same. Hence, they are undertaking various initiatives to promote women’s involvement and empowerment.
The automotive industry is slowly but surely bringing more women into its workforce. However, many challenges remain, and women still face barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Despite these ongoing issues, it’s essential to acknowledge and appreciate companies like Toyota Kirloskar Motor that are making efforts to improve the situation.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor: Aiming for 30% women representation by 2030
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited (TKM) is a joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation (89%) and the Kirloskar Group (11%) focused on manufacturing and selling Toyota cars in India. Headquartered in Bidadi, Karnataka, TKM has set an ambitious goal of increasing its women workforce to 30% by 2030.
Announced on August 26, 2024, in honour of Women’s Equality Day, this move by TKM is far from a mere token gesture. It’s a vital part of TKM’s long-term Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasise Gender Equality, Decent Work, and economic growth.
On March 13, 2024, TKM celebrated its first group of 55 women supervisors with a special capping ceremony. The company also hired 160 new female team members, bringing the total number of women at TKM to over 450. TKM plans to increase this number to over 850 by the end of the year, showing its commitment to improving gender equality in the automotive industry.
Empowering women through Toyota Technical Training Institute
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) actively supports the “Skill India Mission” by rolling out several initiatives to boost women’s skills and overall development. A significant part of this effort includes the expansion of its Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) in Bidadi. TKM plans to double the intake at TTTI from 600 to 1,200 students, with up to 600 spots reserved for female students. This expansion targets individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and rural areas in Karnataka.
Through TTTI, TKM will provide training that covers knowledge (16%), skills (34%), and personal development (50%). The institute’s infrastructure has received upgrades, including better residential facilities for female students, new classrooms, and modern equipment. These improvements aim to offer a well-rounded learning experience, helping women build valuable skills and grow their careers in the auto industry.
Toyota Kaushalya Program: Training women in automotive skills
Under the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI), the Toyota Kaushalya program stands out as a major initiative for empowering rural and economically disadvantaged students. This two-year training program offers a “Learn and Earn” approach, blending classroom instruction with On-the-Job Training (OJT). Aspiring students benefit from mentorship by experienced Master Trainers, ensuring they receive top-notch training aligned with industry standards.
The Toyota Kaushalya program provides specialised courses in Automotive Weld Technician, Automotive Paint Technician, Automotive Assembly Technician, and Mechatronics Technician. By offering world-class technical training, the program not only promotes gender equality but also boosts women’s employability in Karnataka.
The Toyota Kaushalya Program also plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality by creating opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. By offering training and career development specifically for women, the program helps to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s initiatives are just the beginning
TKM’s efforts, while valuable, are part of a broader industry issue. The automotive sector, as a whole, has a long history of gender disparity. For TKM’s efforts to be truly effective, they need to be supported by industry-wide actions that address these deeper, systemic issues. It means that while TKM is working to hire more women and provide them with training and development opportunities, the entire automotive sector needs to work together to make lasting changes on its own.
A larger strategy that includes industry-wide reforms to create a more inclusive environment is needed. Addressing biases in recruitment, developing industry-wide mentoring programs, and advocating for policies that support gender diversity at all levels are important steps. More importantly, it is time to address the underrepresentation of women in both entry-level and leadership positions in the automotive industry.
Addressing these root causes across the industry can create a more fair and supportive working environment for women. It will also help ensure that the progress made by individual companies like TKM leads to lasting, meaningful change.
The final thoughts
Clearly, Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s commitment to women’s empowerment goes well beyond temporary initiatives or one-off events. In addition to increasing the number of women in its workforce, TKM has introduced a Gender Diversity Standard Operating Procedure Manual. This guide outlines best practices for promoting gender diversity and is designed to create an environment where working women can truly thrive. TKM has also rolled out unconscious bias surveys and launched the “Samvardhana” sensitisation program, reflecting a deep and ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.
These initiatives prove that Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment is far more than a mere token gesture.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we broadly define as media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
